No hospitalisation coverage in Northern Cape: No Delta Network Hospitals in ENTIRE NORTHERN CAPE - only way to be covered is to downgrade medical aid plan

<p>I’ve been advised by my doctor to have a procedure urgently performed at a hospital after identifying worrisome symptoms. Yesterday I contacted Discovery (of which the personnel was super nice and helpful), only to find out that on my medical aid plan (of which I have been a member for years without any operations or hospitalisation) that there are no hospitals in the Northern Cape within the Delta Network of Discovery. This means, either I have to pay my own account when hospitalised in the Northern Cape or I have to go to the closest hospital in another province. In my case Bloemfontein about 570 km away. Of which traveling and accommodation would by my guess also be for my own account. The only way to overcome this is to DOWNGRADE my medical aid plan according to two consultants - with the disclosure this will also be in consideration with all the terms and conditions. With other words have even less benefits and insurance/coverage for the same or more money. </p> <p> </p> <p>I was also informed that of the hospitalisation expenditure some amounts will also be taken out of the day to day expenditure savings account. How can hospitalisation count as something that needs to be funded within the day to day expenditure savings account? It’s not a visit to the doctor of pharmacist. </p> <p>Therefore, it would seem that if you live within the Northern Cape you are not covered by Discovery. When taking up medical aid with Discovery I was insured that there are Delta Network hospitals in all major cities, not all major PROVINCES. My medical aid has been paid up to date yet I have no COVERAGE!!!!! So disappointed it’s not even funny… Why am I paying the premiums ???? May this review help someone who is facing life or death hospitalisation operations.</p>